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Richard DrewAmerican inventor, creator of duct tape
Date of Birth: 22.06.1899
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Richard Drew
Richard Drew was an American inventor, best known as the creator of adhesive tape. He worked for companies such as Johnson and Johnson, Permacel Co., and 3M. Drew joined 3M in 1920 when the company was primarily involved in the production of sandpaper and had limited operations. He worked in the company's division in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The Invention of Adhesive Tape
The concept of adhesive tape came to Drew by chance. While conducting experiments with new sandpaper in an auto body shop, he became interested in the work of local painters. At the time, two-tone cars were in fashion, and Drew discovered that creating a straight line to separate the two colors was a difficult and meticulous task. The existing tapes used for this purpose had strong adhesive that often damaged the painted surfaces. Drew set out to develop a tape that could adhere well to various surfaces and be easily removed when necessary. After two years of experimentation, he created the first prototype of a "light" adhesive tape. It stuck well to surfaces and could be easily removed without leaving significant residue.
According to legend, the tape invented by Drew received the name "Scotch" during its first practical test. The painter conducting the test quickly noticed that the tape did not adhere well to the surface being painted. He demanded that the "stingy bosses" of the company take back their tape and apply more adhesive to it. Over time, the word "Scotch" became associated with the tape itself, losing its original "cheap" meaning.
Drew realized that the painter's crude comment was actually helpful and concluded that the tape should indeed be coated with adhesive across its entire width. While the painter's tape was a success, Drew's true breakthrough came with the invention of transparent, cellophane adhesive tape. Surprisingly, the Great Depression played a significant role in the success of the new product. As people across the country faced economic hardships, they began to save money and repair rather than replace their belongings. Drew's transparent tape was ideal for repairs, and its sales skyrocketed. Ultimately, 3M achieved unprecedented profitability during the Great Depression.
Legacy and Death
Drew's invention not only enriched the company but also transformed its nature. 3M's leadership recognized the value of active research and development and established a new R&D department. To this day, there are more than 900 different types of adhesive tapes used in offices, medicine, electrical work, and construction. 3M remains a leading manufacturer of various adhesive tapes, 80 years after Richard Drew's groundbreaking invention. Transparent tape, in particular, continues to be widely used in various fields.
Richard Drew passed away on December 14, 1980, in Santa Barbara, California, at the age of 81.
